Tag Archives: African-American

On the evening of January 10, just a few days before Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday, PLAID (a Hamlin Parent Association group focused on educating our community about diversity and promoting an inclusive environment) teamed up with MoAD (Museum of the African Diaspora) to celebrate music and togetherness.

Close to 150 people (adults and children) enjoyed delicious soul food provided by Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement, then gathered in Stanwood’s Great Hall to listen to the riveting Marcelle Davies-Lashley and her dynamic all-female band. Before the music, Executive Director of the MoAD, Linda Harrison, addressed the rapt audience, providing a wonderful overview of all that her museum has to offer our San Francisco Bay Area community.

Before playing, Ms. Davies-Lashley gave a brief but comprehensive history of African-American music, from the 1800’s until our present day. After speaking, Ms. Davies-Lashley merged with the past, using her powerful vocal ability and presence to channel the energy of artists like Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, and Stevie Wonder. The audience participated in call and response, clapping, and dancing, moved by the songs of struggle and hope. At one point in the evening Ms. Holland-Greene (Head of The Hamlin School) joined the band, playing the tambourine with joy that was palpable.

The Museum of the African Diaspora is open with free admission on January 15th in honor of Dr. King’s birthday. To learn more about the museum, please visit: https://www.moadsf.org/